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[Artwork] Legible City Hong Kong

· 3 min read
Leoson Cheong
Leoson Cheong
Lead Software Engineer

Artist: Jeffrey Shaw

Credit: Cheong Tai Leong, Leoson (Application software), Kachi Chan (Hong Kong Type 3D font modelling), Dung Kai-cheung (Literary research), Jeffrey SHAW and Osage Art Foundation (Co-producers)

Project Overview​

Legible City Hong Kong represents the latest evolution of Jeffrey Shaw's seminal media artwork Legible City (1989–1991), developed in collaboration with Hong Kong fiction writer Dung Kai-cheung. Installed at the M+ museum, this iteration invites visitors to ride a stationary bicycle connected to a large screen that displays a digital representation of Hong Kong. Participants freely navigate this virtual environment, with the M+ Facade livestreaming their interactive cycling journeys in real-time on Friday nights, while pre-recorded versions are shown on other nights.

Technical Narrative​

The visual framework draws upon cartographic principles, with the bicycle equipped with an iPad that displays the real cityscape alongside the routes being explored. Unlike previous versions with flat terrains, the intricate topography of Hong Kong introduced significant technical and creative challenges. The modified system now enables users to control direction, simulate cycling on varied slopes by adjusting elevation, and experience resistance, adding authenticity to the interaction. This enhances both the visual dynamics of the virtual environment and deepens the cycling experience, creating a more immersive and interactive engagement for the participants.

2024-07-19-LegibleCityHK1.webp 2024-07-19-LegibleCityHK2.webp 2024-07-19-LegibleCityHK3.webp

Source photo from

https://vrc.hkbu.edu.hk/en/projects/legible-city-hong-kong.html

Media Behind the Façade: Jeffrey Shaw’s ‘Legible City Hong Kong’. (2024, September 26). M Plus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0bvoDF2zpk

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麥, 安. (2024年9月19日). 可讀城市與香港「字」. 藝術當下，跨媒體藝術. https://bit.ly/3TB4COR

Tsui, E. (2024, July 29). Video game art on M+ facade sees players ‘cycle’ around > Hong Kong in love letter to city. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/.../video-game-art-m-facade-sees-players-cycle-around-hong-kong-love-letter-city

李, 相怡. (2024年7月15日). M+將呈獻互動媒體藝術作品《可讀城市 香港》邀觀眾重返19世紀香港. 橙新聞. https://www.orangenews.hk/artanddesign/1231019